First Fridays at Natural History Museum
This year’s First Fridays are foodie-themed. Expect discussions from top scientists, prestigious food writers and farm and garden experts, along with live music and DJ tunes. Drop by this month for cutting-edge science and musical performances by Buyepongo and Chico Mann & Captain Planet, and DJ performances from KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez and Subsuelo. Friday, 5-10 pm; 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, 213.763.DINO
2nd Annual Masters of Taste
This outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival will bring you the finest fare from over 40 restaurants, sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, signature handcrafted cocktails and tastings from over 30 Beverage Masters, including L.A’s top bartenders and cocktail bars, local California wineries, local craft breweries, pressed juices, hand roasted coffee, live entertainment and much more. 100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2017 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Some of this year’s Masters of Taste 2017 participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants include: 118 Degrees Chef Jenny Ross, Alexander’s Steakhouse Chef Matt Bata, Bacchus Kitchen & Eatery and Claude & Co. Chef Claud Beltran, Bone Kettle and Komodo Chef Erwin Tjahyadi, CAST at the Viceroy Santa Monica Chef Larry Monaco, Celestino Chef Calogero Drago, Church & State and Spring Chef Tony Esnault, Crossings Chef Lalo Sanchez, HACHÉ LA Chef Michael “Mick” Schepers, HokePoke Chef Lauren Haas, Hamasaku Chef Yoya Takahashi, Hyperion Public Chef Paddy Aubrey, INTRO Art Gallery & Chef’s Table Chef Paul Shoemaker, Little Beast Chef Jose Perez, Magnolia House Chef Evan Colter, Mama Lion Chef Michael Hung, Mexikosher Chef Katsuji Tanabi, Milk & Honey Chef Lulu Cai, Miro Chef Gavin Mills, Momed Chef Alex Sarkissian, Nerano Chef Michele Lisi, Ramen Tatsunoya, SpireWorks Chef Kuniko Yagi, Redbird Chef Neal Fraser, The Raymond 1886 Chef Tim Guiltinan, True Food Kitchen Chef Phil Noresetter, and Venice Whaler Chef Nick Liberato. Sweets include chocolate and vanilla ice creams from Choctal, homemade premium sorbets from Helados Pops, the finest globally-procured cacao from Chocolate Stars USA, and much more from Café Dulce, Icy Rush, Lark Cake Shop, Magpies Softserve, Mignon Chocolate, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Sprinkles, Street Churros and The Dirty Cookie. Brewmasters include Bootlegger’s Brewery, Indie Brewing Company, Iron triangle Brewing, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., Three Weavers Brewing Company and 101 Cider House. Wineries include premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, Antelope Valley’s Golden Star Vineyards, Jardesca, St. Helena’s Hall Wines, Anderson Valley’s Navarro Vineyards, San Antonio Winery in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County’s Tercero Wines, Napa Valley’s Trinchero Family Estates and Vinemark Cellars. Expect first-rate craft cocktails from Peter Lloyd-Jones and 1886 Bar, Garrett McKechnie of DTLA’s Bar Mattachine and Bar Manager Bethany Ham of Birds & Bees. Top brands showcasing their finest spirits will also include American Born Moonshine, Dulce Vida Tequila, Mezcal El Silencio, Glenlevit, Kikori Whiskey, Martell Blue Swift and ZYR Russian Vodka just to name a few. A variety of premium non-alcoholic Beverage Masters will also be on hand featuring the “bevolutionary” Bai who will be presenting their antioxidant juices, teas and water infusions, Boxed Water, Califia Farms Juices and Cold Brew Coffees, Dry Sparkling, Kombucha Dog, Milk+T, cold-pressed juices from Nekter Juice Bar, Philz hand roasted customized blended Coffee, and all natural, refreshing beverages from Zico Coco Water. Sunday, VIP Power Hour: 3-4 pm, General Admission: 4-7 pm; Pasadena Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.791.6677; info@MastersofTasteLA.com (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Masters of Taste)
OC Beer Fest
Seems like there is a Beer Fest every weekend. This time, Anaheim has all your beer drinking needs. The 9th annual OC Beer Festival follows last year’s sold out event, and this year’s promises to be even bigger and better. The event will feature dozens of international and domestic beers, a handful of food trucks (food sold separately) as well as live entertainment. $45-$55; Sunday, Noon-4 pm; The Phoenix Club, 1340 South Sanderson Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
Angel City Brewery Celebrates 5th Annual Heritage Fest
Angel City Brewery invites you to a weekend-long anniversary blowout at their 5th annual Heritage Music & Arts Festival. What started as a grand opening party in 2012 has now turned into a two-day celebration festival of craft beer and Downtown LA’s culture. Each day will feature a different line-up of live music, cultural performances, food trucks, a live mural painting by Cali native street artist Young Mer and specialty Angel City beers. Additionally, a portion of each day’s beer garden proceeds will go to the Los Angeles River Artists and Business Association (LARABA), who work to preserve and promote the Art’s District’s creative community. The art doesn’t stop there either. You are encouraged to roll up your sleeves and take part in the community mural happening all weekend. Similar to a color-by-numbers painting, each participant will have the opportunity to paint in sections of a mural designed by Andy Bauch of Art Share L.A. that highlights the colorful history of the building the brewery is located in. It will then be on display at the brewery until July, when a new community mural will be designed. Angel City Brewery will be serving up a variety of beers that showcase the best of five years of brewing. New offerings will include SMaSH Bock, a traditional Bock made in the SMaSH style (Single Malt and Single Hop) with a big body and slightly sweet, malty flavor, and Ventura Fresa, a tart, barrel aged sour fruit beer aged with Ventura County strawberries. Fans will also be able to sip on brewery mainstays like Angel City IPA, Pilsner and LAger, and bottled classics such as Salted Caramel Gose, Funky Wit and Brettanomyces Bloke. Saturday’s lineup includes music by Angel City’s own employee DJs from 5-7 pm, followed by a performance from The Fuzzy Crystals 7-8 pm, food from Downtown Taco and Downtown Dog, a specialty Angel City Brewery keg tappings every hour from 12-5 pm, and an Angel City Brewery toast and cake celebration at 7:30 pm. Sunday’s lineup includes live music curated by Grand Performances in Angel City Brewery’s Beer Hall from 1-8 pm, food from Seoul Sausage, Postcards Cas, Kai Kai Dumplings and Downtown Taco, an outdoor beer garden, Native Drummers, Aztec Dancers, Taiko Drumming and Hip-hop Dancers presented by TRIBE. Saturday & Sunday, 12-8 pm; 216 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
BBQ & Beer Festival
The three-day festival is filled with barbecue, craft beer and live music. Expect a beer-focused Friday evening with tastes from a variety of microbreweries. The rest of the weekend has barbecue with food, brews, live entertainment, a kid zone, and live bands including renowned blues band Tommy Castro & the Painkillers. $20-$40; Friday-Sunday; Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA
Highland Park Bowl Celebrates 90 Years
Los Angeles’s oldest operating bowling alley Highland Park Bowl, recently restored by 1933 Group during the height of Prohibition, celebrates 90 years. Highland Park Bowl legally supplied medicinal alcohol through its onsite pharmacy and upstairs doctors’ facilities. For the 90th Anniversary, and for the first time in decades, you will get a glimpse into one of the refurbished doctor’s offices while the team at Highland Park Bowl reenacts its past by supplying an apothecary menu to cure an array of ailments. You will fill out a check list of symptoms (available now at Highland Park Bowl)– some which include shame, dizziness, and FOMO– then head upstairs to seek spirited advice (in the form of a cocktail recommendation) from Dr. Wente, played by lead barman Johnnie Santiago. “Patients” will then head back to the lanes as they did many years ago for a sociable good time. Prohibition-era garb is optional/encouraged for attendees. Bowling is first come, first serve, with lanes accommodating up to 6 people at a time. Saturday, 11 am – 2 am, discounted bowling for $19.33/hour, from 11 am – 6 pm; Highland Park Bowl, 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042; 323.257.BOWL
Ocean Avenue’s Day at the Races Benefiting Surfrider Foundation
Ocean Avenue’s Day at the Races will benefit the Surfrider Foundation, and help protect and preserve the world’s oceans and beaches. Ladies, don your best Derby hat and gentleman sport your bow ties for complimentary tastings accompanied by authentic food and drink specials from each participating location on Ocean Avenue. Participating restaurants include Del Frisco’s Grille, Herringbone, Red O, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, O+O Sicilian Kitchen & Bar, Chez Jay and more. Have a Mint Julep (or two), and enjoy the best eats and drinks on Santa Monica’s premier beachfront street! $40 (tickets include Complimentary mint julep at check-in, complimentary food or drink item at each location and food and drink specials, commemorative Surfrider cup for first 100 guests, and a chance to win a night stay at the Shore Hotel); Saturday, 12-5 pm; Del Frisco’s Grille, 1551 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
TDR’s 3rd Annual White Party
Three Day Rule is hosting our 3rd Annual White Party at Viceroy Santa Monica. Welcome to the Caribbean! This year, join 600+ guests to kick off your summer during an afternoon of poolside DJ beats, discounted cocktails, a Caribbean BBQ, inflatable swans, and fabulous people all wearing white. Additionally, the TDR Matchmakers will be there to introduce singles to one another throughout the party. The first 200 guests to arrive will receive white sunglasses to get you in the Caribbean spirit. $10+; Sunday, 1-5 pm; Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Michael’s On Naples Serves Brunch
Michael’s On Naples is rolling back its retractable roof and uncorking bottles of Prosecco as part of its new Sunday brunch on the restaurant’s rooftop. Chef Eric Samaniego has created an array of dishes including Purgatorio featuring two eggs baked in a spicy tomato sauce with peppers; Pizzette di Salmone, an interpretation of bagels and lox with crème fraiche, smoked salmon, potato and dill placed atop flatbread; Francese, an Italian version of French toast with crispy ciabatta accompanied by maple syrup and mixed berry jam; and Maiale, featuring fried pork belly, creamy polenta and poached eggs. Lighter fare includes Panna Cotta featuring yogurt, panna cotta, honey, granola and fresh berries, as well as a selection of salads. Shareable plates include the popular Salumi and Mozzarella Tastings as well as carafes of cocktails, including vodka or tequila-based Bloody Marys, Bellinis and more. Sunday, 10:30 am-2:30 pm on the Rooftop only; 5620 E. 2nd St, Long Beach, CA; 62.439.7080
Ayara Lūk’s Lunch
Ayara Lūk is a pop-up Thai eatery and a culinary project of Ayara Thai. In Thai, ‘lūk’ means child. The first annual Los Angeles Times Food Bowl is taking place throughout May, with events, panel discussions with world-class chefs, a week-long Night Market with food stalls at Grand Park and a series of themed dinners at restaurants around the city. Experience Ayara’s take on a traditional Northern Thai kantok lunch. Kantok is a casual style of dining where food is served in pedestal trays and you sit on the floor. Northern Thai food is earthy and rustic, and often uses techniques like grilling and fermenting. The feast will include Khao Soi Curry Noodle, Sai Oua Sausage, Chili Relish, Larb, and more paired with Lanna inspired drinks. An exclusive cooking demonstration by Chef Vanda Asapahu will precede lunch. $80; Saturday, 10 am-12 pm; 8740 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Celebrate BBQ Month
Belle Belle’s Cue will be offering all-you-can-eat ribs and sides all day to ring in the national food holiday. $20; Saturday; 701 W Cesar Estrada Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 323.897.9227
Taco Madness
There’s a ton to do in Los Angeles on Cinco de Mayo, but if you like tacos, get to the grand fiesta from L.A. Taco. This year’s Taco Madness festival will be held in the outdoor garden of La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, where eleven of the city’s best taco vendors will be cooking on site. Friday, 6 pm-12 am; La Plaza de Culturas y Artes, 501 N. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90112
Cinco de Mayo Mariachi Night at Descanso Gardens
Enjoy an authentic Mexican buffet and mariachi music on the Main Lawn. Cash bar. $50; Friday, 6-9 pm; 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 818.949.4200; To make a reservations, please visit: here
The Independence‘s Cinco de Mayo
They are serving $7 Lynda Margarita and $7 Nachos All Day. Lynda’s Margarita (normally $12) is made with tequila, fresh lime juice, agave, basil, and cucumber (available spicy). Friday; 205 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.458.2500
Copa d’Oro‘s Cinco de Mayo
Head Barman, Vincenzo Marianella is serving up a Cinco de Mayo Special of “Copa de Mayo” along with $7 Tommy’s Margarita, $7 Palomas, and $2 Tacos de Luis. Friday; 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.576.3030
Manuela‘s Cinco de Mayo Party
Enjoy tacos, margaritas, beer, a live mariachi band and more. The ticket price include food and teo margaritas. $35; Friday, 4-9 pm; 907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 323.849.0480
The Mixing Room at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
Celebrate with $4 tacos all night, live music including an acoustic band from 4-8 pm and a DJ from 8 pm-1 am. Friday; 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Cinco de Mayo at Gracias Madre
Enjoy specials all day and night! Order up the Cazuela Cocktail for Two ($20) made with El Charo Blanco, mandrine, lime, lemon, yuzu bitters, and grapefruit and the Pinches Nachos Gordos ($20) made with house made chips, black beans, BBQ Jackfruit, pineapple salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, nacho cheese, chorizo, coconut bacon, and cilantro. 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Fleming’s $100 Margarita
Join Fleming’s for an exclusive Cinco de Mayo celebration! For the first time, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is offering a one-of-a-kind $100 Margarita in partnership with Tequila Herradura, an ultra-premium 100% percent agave tequila, and Baccarat, a world-renowned fine crystal manufacturer. The $100 Margarita is made with some of the world’s highest quality liquor, including Tequila Herradura Selección Suprema and Grand Marnier Centenaire. Served in Baccarat’s uniquely designed Diamant Highball, you are invited to take home the glass in an iconic red box, allowing you to continue the celebration well beyond your night at Fleming’s. This classy and elegant cocktail will be available at all Fleming’s locations. Through Saturday
Recover from Cinco de Mayo at Casa Vega
Los Angeles’s time-honored 61-year-old Mexican restaurant, invites you to ease your hangovers with a one-day-only “Seis de Mayo” special. You are invited to indulge in the signature Breakfast Burrito and the choice of the Rehab Margarita or Michelada for $19.99. To alleviate any aches and pains from the previous night’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the Rehab Margarita features rejuvenating ingredients, such as electrolyte-replenishing coconut water, alongside pineapple and lime juice, and agave. Additionally, the restaurant’s new Michelada, with Modelo Especial, pressed cucumber juice, and housemade spice blend, is also available to satisfy post-May 5th thirsts. For much needed “morning after” fuel, signature The Breakfast Burrito includes eggs, refried beans, Spanish rice, guacamole, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese. $19.99; Saturday, 11:30 am-2 am; 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423; 818.788.4868
Cinco de Mayo at The Wallace
They put together a “Fiesta AF” menu which will be available all night at the bar only. Bebidas ($9) include Tommy’s Margarita made with Tequila, Lime, and Agave; Mezcal Margarita made with Mezcal, Triple Sec, and lime; the Paloma made with Tequila, Lime, and Grapefruit Soda; Bloody Maria made with tequila and house made Bloody Mary mix; and the Michelada made with beer, Lime, Tomato, and spice. Cervezas ($5) include Three Weavers Kolsch Ale; Modern Times IPA; Pizza Port Amber; and Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Stout. Comidas ($5 – $17) include Tacos de Caja Payaso, fried mini fast food tacos; Chicken Tacos Dorados , made with shredded lettuce, spiced crema, and cotija; Pork Belly Nachos made with American cheese fondue, pickled jalapeño, pickled onion, and cilantro; Aguachile, made with shrimp, scallops, salmon roe, radish, and red onion; and Chips & Salsa. Friday; 3833 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232
Cinco de Mayo at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken L.A.
Grab the exclusive Strawberry Margarita Doughnut! Celebrate this Friday at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken L.A. Available for one day only for $3.10, this treat features strawberry margarita glaze with tequila and triple sec sprinkled with rock sugar. Friday; 516 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
¡Fiesta at FIG!
The event will feature an outdoor cocktail service in the courtyard with drink specials including margaritas and beer. Also find a fiesta with DJs, a female mariachi band and back by popular demand, the DIY piñata workshop with Makers Mess. Friday, 12-9 pm; 735 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Sea Level Restaurant & Lounge
Head to the new waterfront Shade Hotel in Redondo Beach to give your typical happy hour a Latin twist with Mexican food, margaritas and premium tequila tasting, while taking in breathtaking coastal views. Feast on fresh tortilla chips & guacamole; salsa verde; roasted guajillo salsa; crispy duroc carnitas hard tacos with mango relish, cotija cheese, shaved cabbage and pickled radish; and white fish ceviche with leche de tigre, aji Amarillo chili, fresh cilantro and plantain chips. In addition to Mexican fare, there will be various margarita specials and premium tequila flights. Friday, 3 pm to close; 655 N. Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310.921.8950
Las Perlas‘ Cinco de Mayo
This DTLA tequila bar starts partying at noon and has a day of food, drink specials, live music and more, including $5 happy hour from noon-4 pm. Friday, noon; 107 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Baltaire Celebrates the Kentucky Derby
A celebrated tradition since 2015, Baltaire invites you to don your fanciest fascinator or fedora at the restaurant’s third annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Party. Sip on Baltaire Juleps, a take on the classic Derby cocktail that can be customized with a spirit of choice paired with the appropriate herb to complement the beverage, or with curated flights of Kentucky bourbon. Executive Chef Travis Strickland will be cooking up fun, Derby-inspired dishes, such as a Hot Brown Sandwich on toasted brioche with house smoked turkey breast, roasted Campari tomatoes, roasted garlic cream sauce, white cheddar, and braised pork belly; House made Cheddar Biscuits with Pimento Cheese; and Deviled Eggs. You are also encouraged to dress in your best Derby outfits, such as summer dresses, bowties, and especially big hats for the restaurant’s first Derby Day Best Hat and Dressed Contest, in which winners will receive gift cards to the restaurant. For an added entertaining element, a DJ will be spinning contemporary tunes throughout the afternoon. Walk-in seating will also be available. Saturday, 1 – 4:30 pm; 11647 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049; Reservations here or 424.273.1660
Join Ocean Prime Beverly Hills for this year’s Kentucky Derby. Bring a little Louisville to Los Angeles for a day while sipping on Mint Juleps with a front row seat to the festivities being screened in both of Ocean Prime’s luxe lounges. Saturday; Ocean Prime Beverly Hills, 9595 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 310.859.4818
Shutters on the Beach Celebrates the Kentucky Derby
Shutters on the Beach is celebrating the Kentucky Derby with a viewing party and “World’s Largest” champagne toast in exclusive partnership with G.H. Mumm Champagne. Hosted in the hotel’s lobby lounge, the festivities will include a country-wide G.H. Mumm Champagne toast streamed live on Facebook and Instagram, sweepstake prizes including a complimentary one night stay at the hotel and a complimentary bottle of G.H. Mumm Champagne, step-and-repeat for photo opportunities, “best hat” contests and more. Additional food and beverage offerings will be available for purchase. Saturday, opening festivities: 11 am-12 pm, Kentucky Derby Race: 2:45 pm; 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Manuela’s Derby Day Party
In partnership with Bulleit Bourbon, Chef Wes Whitsell will be providing the passed food, while mint juleps, daquiris, wine, beer and more will be served. Tickets includes food, one welcome punch and one mint julep. Showing the races, prizes will be given to those who select the winning horses – dress to impress! $55; Saturday, 1-4 pm; 907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Derby Day at the Chandelier Room
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby party with a decadent bourbon tasting. Enjoy the Chandelier Room’s catered menu, music from the Ryan Cross Trio, and plenty of whiskey. $100+; Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Bath Bomb and Bath Salts Workshop Led by The Soap Kitchen’s own Dali Yu
Create your own custom bath salts and bath bombs at our hands-on workshop led by The Soap Kitchen’s Dali Yu. All natural ingredients including essential oils and herbs will be supplied as you’re guided through this super fun process. In the end, you’ll walk away with a beautiful gift box with your custom creations and some delicious soaps from The Soap Kitchen. $20; Sunday, 1-3 pm; One Colorado Old Pasadena, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103
It’s Time to Dance & Sing at the Tam!
Tam O’Shanter is bringing back its tradition of fun-filled Saturday night concerts. All shows provide a combo of great food, awesome entertainment, and cool ambiance that’s perfect for date night, girls night out, or grabbing drinks with the guys. The current lineup of music acts includes May 6: Ken O’Malley and Friends (tenor voice and engaging stage presence from this Ireland native); May 13: Whiskey Sunday (Irish folk roots with Americana, prairie winds, and riverside cabin hymns); May 20: Waking Kate (traditional Irish music played with modern twist); and May 27: Bracken Band (Celtic guitar and a fiddle with a backdrop of a percussionist). Additionally, the Tam’s longstanding house band, Ploughboys, plays every Thursday and on the first Friday of each month. Saturdays, 8-11 pm; 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323.664.0228
